August 6, 2014

August 6, 2014

Since yesterday was our one year anniversary entering the misionfield, I have taken some time to reflect on all the things that have happened in the last year.  The first thing that comes to mind was the preparation that took place just getting us here.  I remember back to thinking what am I going to do with all the junk in my house so that Brian, Loretta and family can move into our house and still not totally move out.  Thank heavens for daughters and grand daughters who took time out of their busy schedules to help us prepare.  And believe me, the mess was horrendous, but thankfully we did get alot done.  However,  we did leave a lot of things for Brian and Loretta to finish which we worried about, but time got away from us.  Our departure did not go as planned since we still had to pack after all the kids left Sunday night.  I remember thinking then, how am I going to get all this stuff in a suitcase and what am I forgetting.  Unfortunately, when we got here, we realized there were many things we should have left at home, many things we should have brought.  Maybe I can consider this just a trial run, maybe next time we will do better, I hope there is a next time.

Next, our time in the mission home was wonderful, we learned a lot, we had to stretch alot with what was taught and what we were required to do.  We were then introduced to the art of emails, blogs, etc so we could feel connected to home.  That worked sometimes.  We did find out that email still was not up close and personal and we needed to physically see and hear our family up close and personal.  We loved the MTC and the spirit we felt there, but we missed the association with our family.

The flight to Tonga is one we won't forget because of how long it was and how utterly and totally uncomfortable it was.  It was enough to not want to do it again, something though that we have to look forward to and dread going home.  We are now trying to figure out ways to cut that plane ride into smaller segments that are not so grueling.  That flight was not fun and was an endurance test that I do not want to do again.  However, at some time, I will have to be brave again and figure out how to endure.

Arriving in Tonga is a wonderful memory.  We were met at the airport by the missionaries, the mission president and the heat.  I knew for sure we would either die or melt.  Since that time, we have gone through summer in our winter, winter in our summer and have since lost all track of time and space.  We can't even equate Tonga time with Rexburg, USA time.  So I suppose that means we are living in outer space for 18 months, or maybe a dream world.  I hope that when our time is completed here, we won't remember Tonga as  only a dream.  I hope not because our time here has been so important to our lives, not only because of what we have learned, but also how to love a new people and country.

I have to add though, that being in a new country is not without its trials.  We have sorely missed home, our family, kids, familiar places and faces and of course the food.  But, on the other hand, we have learned to 'like' some of the island fair.  I can't go so far as to say I 'love' it but it sure makes me appreciate what we have at home.  But, on the other hand, (do I sound like Tevia in the Fiddler on the Roof?), we can't take home the ocean that we love, or the sunsets, or the warm rain, or warm breezes.  We can only take the million pictures that Steve has taken to bring back good memories.  We will face the bitter winter cold after facing the blazing Tongan sun.  There will probably be a hundred degree difference in February.

We are looking forward to the next 6 months with a great deal of anxiety and urgency to complete what we have started.  We have completed several major projects, such as getting teachers through their teachers certificates, worked on and have completed budgets, ordering of supplies and equipment, have taught many piano students and will teach more. We still have occasions when we wonder what we are doing, and why we are doing it, but  we just keep working each day to meet whatever  we need to be working on with the help of inspiration from Heavenly Father.  We are now going to concentrate on TVET curriculums, projects, teachers and students.  We are looking at the end of the school year, graduation, decorating for the ball, missionary firesides, reports, trying to get all of our artifacts shipped home, hurry, hurry, hurry.  We have found much joy, strength and a profound love for missionary work.  We have found that not all missionaries are created equal and we love some more than others.  We have also found that we like our alone time.  We love our President and Sister Tupou and greatly admire the work they  are doing with the young missionaries.  We have created memories with them that will be cherished forever.  We have also found that Heavenly Father is mindful of his children and our needs.  We also know that we have to rely on our own counsel for us, but that our mission president is still our best advisor.  We have found out that senior missionaries are a vital part of the missionary force and that this opportunity has been the best experience we could have had.  We love this work and we love this beautiful island with its amazing people.  On one hand I hope the next 6 months flies, on the other hand, I hope it drags.  So,  we will just keep pluggin along, work hard, and love every minute we are here. Ofa 'atu.